Ready to dance the Flamenco in Sevilla, to make the perfect pizza in Naples, to dive into the Aegean Sea or to explore this year's European capitals of Culture? While preparing for this incredible adventure in Europe, you pause and ponder: what if something happened to you or your family during this trip?

While travel insurance is always the best choice to make sure a minor health issue occurring abroad doesn’t turn into a financial catastrophe, it is also a mandatory requirement for Nigerians wishing to be granted a Schengen visa. Let’s find out why and what the best choice is to protect you and your loved ones during your trip.

• Why is Schengen travel insurance compulsory for Nigerian nationals?
• What are the mandatory requirements for Schengen visa travel insurance?
• What is the Travel Insurance Certificate required for your visa application from Nigeria?
• When should you buy Schengen travel insurance from Nigeria?
• Why is AXA travel insurance the best choice for cautious Nigerian travellers?
• What is the best AXA Schengen travel insurance plan for your trip to Europe?
• What should you do if you are ill or injured while in Europe?

Why is travel insurance mandatory for Nigerian nationals travelling to the Schengen area?

As citizens of one of the hundred countries which haven’t signed a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union (including several countries from the Maghreb, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, India, and others), Nigerian nationals need a visa if they wish to enter the Schengen area and visit one or several of its Member States.

All countries within the world's largest free-movement zone have agreed to apply consistent rules for issuing short-stay visas (valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period), also known as uniform or Schengen visas.

Those unified rules are set out in the European Union Visa Code and define the Schengen visa requirements – including the obligation for applicants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance as a condition for entry into the area.

To obtain a Schengen visa, Nigerian nationals need to submit an application file which must include several mandatory supporting documents. Among them features a travel insurance certificate proving that they are covered by valid travel insurance i.e. which complies with E.U. requirements.

Pro-Tip

The AXA team has gathered a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa from Nigeria!

Bonus info

• Some Nigerian nationals may be exempt from visa requirements in certain cases. Make sure to check with the consular services of your Schengen destination to see if this applies to you.


• Want to get a clearer picture of Europe? Don’t miss our in-depth article on the differences between Europe, the EU, the Schengen Zone, the Euro Zone, and the EEA!

What are the mandatory requirements for Schengen visa travel insurance?

Now that we’ve established the fact that travel insurance is absolutely necessary for Nigerian nationals to obtain a Schengen visa, let's move on to what type of travel insurance you should choose.

In order to be considered as valid, and thus be accepted by consular services in charge of examining visa applications, your travel insurance must comply with Article 15 of the European Union Visa Code and meet several requirements:

• Guarantee a €30,000 minimum coverage for medical expenses
• Cover emergency hospitalisation and medical care due to health issues occurring during your stay.
• Bear the costs of repatriation to your home country in case of serious health issues or even death.
• Be certified by all the countries of the Schengen area (not only the one you will be visiting).
• Be valid in all Schengen countries.
• Remain valid during the entire duration of your stay.
• Be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries.

Good news! AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all these criteria and much more!

What is a travel insurance certificate for a Schengen visa and how to get one from Nigeria?

As mentioned before, a travel insurance certificate is a document which must be enclosed with your Schengen visa application.

It proves that you have bought proper travel insurance from an official, certified insurance company, that your medical expenses will be covered during the entire duration of your trip and that your insurance policy complies with all E.U. requirements.

Caution!

• If you have subscribed to an insurance policy which does not comply with these requirements, your Schengen visa application will be denied.


• The European Union administration does not sell or supply Schengen visa travel insurance. You must subscribe with a private insurance company.

PRO TIPS

1- To save time and quickly obtain your insurance certificate to include with your visa application, it is recommended to purchase your travel insurance online. Your subscription certificate will then be sent to you faster, sometimes even automatically depending on the insurance provider.

2- AXA Schengen insurance certificates are officially certified and include a unique number that allows consular services in all countries to verify that your insurance meets the required standards.

When should you buy Schengen travel insurance from Nigeria?

As a travel insurance certificate must be enclosed with your Schengen visa application file, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance in the early stages of your visa application process and before completing your Schengen visa application form.

This will avoid unnecessary stress in case of mishaps.

When you buy travel insurance online, the process is of course quicker and easier!

Choose, pay, print and enclose your certificate in your file while the rest of the mandatory documents. One less thing to worry about!

Good to know!

When you subscribe to AXA Schengen Travel Insurance online, no matter which Schengen country you plan to visit, your travel insurance certificate will be emailed to you immediately after payment. Simply download or print the certificate and include it with the other required documents in your Schengen visa application.

Why is AXA Schengen visa insurance the best choice for cautious Nigerian travellers?

For 65 years (and counting), AXA has been providing travellers with affordable, comprehensive and reliable travel insurance coverage. Our experience and expertise have allowed us to establish a longstanding international reputation. Thorough knowledge and understanding of local cultures, not only in the Schengen area but also worldwide, help us provide efficient and humane assistance to those who need fast and reassuring support.

As we all know, action speaks louder than words so here a few more reasons why AXA Schengen travel insurance is the best choice for wise Nigerian travellers:

• AXA Schengen visa insurance complies with all E.U. requirements in terms of visa obligations.
• It is certified and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries part of the Schengen area.
• It is thus automatically accepted with Schengen visa applications.
• It guarantees a coverage of minimum €30,000 and up to €2 million depending on the chosen plan.
• It covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, sanitary repatriation including in the event of death.
• It includes both civil liability and personal liability coverage.
• It offers death and disability insurance.
• Its coverage scope includes all the Schengen states, European microstates, other non-Schengen but EU countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen option).
• It offers duration flexibility - from just one day, up to six months, or up to a full year.

Other advantages of choosing AXA travel insurance:

• AXA is internationally renowned for its expertise in Schengen travel insurance.
• It offers 24/7 assistance thanks to its devoted teams of experienced professionals.
• Online subscription is quick and easy.
• Your Schengen travel insurance certificate is available instantaneously. You can thus immediately print and enclose the certificate with your visa application file, saving you precious time.
• There is no age restriction.
• 0 deductible applies to medical expenses.
• No medical check-up is required.
• It is refundable if your visa application is denied.
• It offers many additional advantages:
• delivery of prescriptions, glasses and prosthesis,
• daily hospitalization allowance,
• search and rescue costs,
• coverage of the early repatriation of the injured’s travel companions and their luggage. This also applies to the policy holder if they must interrupt their stay due to an emergency (such as serious illness in the family, etc.)
• It includes baggage insurance depending on the chosen plan.
• Free remote medical consultations are available with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature in English, French, and several other languages.
• AXA offers tailor-made insurance with multiple upgrade options designed to satisfy all needs and budgets.

What is the best AXA travel insurance plan for you?

Adventurous or contemplative, solo or with a group, business or pleasure, whatever your mood and reasons for undertaking a trip to the Schengen area, AXA travel insurance has a comprehensive plan that will suit your travel needs and budget while protecting you and your loved ones:

• AXA Schengen Basic offers standard and efficient coverage to obtain your Schengen visa.
  This travel insurance option meets all the mandatory requirements, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as in the 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).


• AXA Schengen Essential provides complete and reliable coverage at an affordable price. Another perfect choice to obtain your Schengen visa.
  Not only does it meet all visa requirements and is valid in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates, but it also offers coverage in all the EU countries as well as the UK.


• AXA Schengen Premium is THE all-inclusive plan allowing you to obtain your Schengen visa and to travel stress-free all over Europe.
  Its coverage is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK.


• AXA Schengen Annual is the ideal yearly travel insurance plan for frequent travellers to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.
  One contract for a full year of travel coverage across Europe!
  It is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK

What should you do if you are ill or injured while in Europe?

While we wish you a happy and safe trip to the Schengen area, some situations may require AXA’s help.

Our teams of medical professionals are there to understand the situation (try to be as precise as possible in the information you give), answer your questions, deliver informed advice and, if need be, direct you to the nearest health facility.

Here is how you should proceed:

• In case of medical emergency, contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number featured on your insurance policy.
• A reference number will be given to you during that first call. Keep it safe and easily accessible as you might need it for later calls.
• Once you reach the AXA Centre, you’ll be asked:
• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your reference file number (provided during your initial call).

IMPORTANT: Remember to keep all bills/invoices related to health issues occurring abroad and enclose them with your file if need be.

Bonus Info:

• While all Schengen countries have their own emergency services (and respective phone numbers), The number for general emergencies is the same everywhere in Europe: 112.
  You can call 112 from any telephone. The operator will then divert you to the relevant emergency service.

A few safety tips for Nigerian travellers to Europe

• Never give your passport to anyone. Keep it in a safe place and always carry a copy with you.
• Police authorities in the Schengen area are here to protect each individual whatever their circumstances. If you feel you are experiencing some kind of threat to your safety, you should feel comfortable and free to contact the police either by phone (112) or in person at a local police station or even on the street.
• Remember to look up the precise contact information of the emergency services of your Schengen destination, including their address.
• Do not show off valuables in public spaces particularly in tourist hotspots.
• Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.

If you want more advice and recommendations for your trip, don’t forget to read our article on how to travel safely in Europe.

But mostly, we wish you a wonderful time in the Schengen area!

Related Articles

You might find these articles interesting:

• How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?
• What are the most common scams in Europe for tourists?
• Understanding Europe from A to Z

FAQ

I am only visiting one Schengen country, can I buy travel insurance solely for that destination?

No. If you need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe then you must purchase travel insurance that covers you in all Schengen Member States and for the entire duration of your stay. Thankfully AXA travel Insurance is valid in all the Schengen area.

Can my Schengen visa insurance be refunded if my visa application is denied?

AXA Schengen travel insurance guarantees the refund of subscription costs if your visa application is denied. You will nonetheless need to supply the written documents provided by consular authorities to prove the negative decision.
Early online subscription is thus risk-free and potentially trip-saving in case of trouble.

I want to buy Schengen travel insurance for someone else. What information will I need to provide?

When you purchase AXA travel insurance, you will need to provide the future beneficiary’s name, date of birth, passport number, nationality and country of residence.